International Day to Protect Education from Attack
Next: September 9, 2027
A classroom should be the safest room in town.
The story
Where it comes from
The UN General Assembly established this day in May 2020 on a proposal from Qatar, and it was first observed on 9 September 2020. It draws attention to attacks on schools, universities, students and teachers in conflict zones, and to the right of children to keep learning in wartime.
How it's celebrated
UNESCO and UNICEF lead events and publish data on attacks on education; humanitarian agencies, teachers' unions and youth groups hold panels and campaigns. Some schools twin with a school in a conflict-affected country for the day.
Did you know
- The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack recorded more than 6,000 attacks on education and cases of military use of schools in 2022 and 2023.
- The Safe Schools Declaration, an intergovernmental commitment to protect education during armed conflict, has been endorsed by more than 120 countries since 2015.
- Around 224 million children affected by crises need educational support, according to the UN's Education Cannot Wait fund.
Coming up next
- World Suicide Prevention Day · September 10, 2027
- World First Aid Day · September 11, 2027
- O. Henry's Birthday · September 11, 2027
- Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) · September 12, 2027
- Onam · September 12, 2027
- United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation · September 12, 2027